I felt the cold wind under me for years but endured the pop-tests of being hauled in to HR with every regime change. My immediate supervisor always had some issue with my behavior and would hatch a new plan of attack with each new reassignment of HR representative. Why was it that everyone in that company was happy with me but the manager? Was it a personality clash or just my attitude? Obviously to me, it was all about control, the hallmark of middle management. I truly and admittedly wasn't much of an ass-kisser, in fact, i often took opportunity to express my feelings which didn't always worship of the bottom line. I enjoyed a wonderful working relationship with one hundred percent of my clients, practically inventing the job at the beginnings of digital presentation. I was the go-to guy for every formatting headache relief. Now, who knows where they go for help, although few have called me at home in a panic. I liked the work, but it was a long job sentence after all, full of little murders, and a time of bittersweet memory. I didn't rule out freelancing and still help out old friends.
Back to the past, in this job of putting out the fires of panic, five minutes before showtime, there was quite a bit of soft time, with internet access and time to take ergonomic breaks. That time was ripe for daydreaming and possibilities. More than a year before the axe, my mind was filled with days of heaven, open-ended thoughts and schemes of bicycle touring, of blood transfusion in the band, of life's inevitabilities. The writing was on the wall and i was waiting out the coming storm, but in an almost natural selection perspective. I made an unconscious decision to gather acorns, research and buy all things for a year off, while i had income, while i was in spending mode. It was a joyous spree, collecting objects and tools of long-distance cycle touring, figuring and rehearsing what would suit a comfortable time off for adventure. The ultralight tent and cookstuff, the building of a dedicated expedition bike, the first-hand advice of seasoned trekkers was exciting to the core. Maybe that's what's kept my mental momentum rolling, that enthusiasm for what i really plan to enjoy, every detail reconsidered every day, to prolong and enhance the interest and conviction. It took a long time but the G.A.S. has leveled and there is now a true appreciation for the reliable and cool tools, the things that work and that return great pleasure in their use.
These are the tools of adventure away from the nest, what you can take with you, ever more efficient and economic. If you're a homebody and can leave your nagging mind, then organize to where you don't spend all day looking for misplaced tools of enjoyment. But, if you're outward bound, take inventory before each outing so you can stay as long as you like in the undiscovered country.
Truly consider crazyguyonabike.com for limitless inspiration and valuable insights of personal interaction as well as the psychology of the solo pedalist. Hundreds of people are out there exploring on foot or on two wheels at any given moment in every country. The gear lists are fascinating, the bare minimum people estimate and revise since weight and bulk is a major issue when touring. Tour your own town with your custom gear list.
The Portable Life
